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Trump cautions Zelensky with ‘big problems’
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, threatening "big problems" if he rejects Washington’s revised proposal for a minerals deal. The new version, which is harsher than the original draft, comes after Zelensky previously clashed with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance during a February White House meeting.
Trump has long demanded that Ukraine repay the hundreds of billions of dollars in US aid through its mineral wealth, particularly rare-earth elements. A previous deal was set to be signed in early March but was withdrawn after Zelensky’s outburst. Following a temporary freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing, Zelensky signaled readiness to negotiate, though he still denies that Ukraine owes anything to the US.
Zelensky confirmed receiving a new draft of the minerals deal, but indicated that many terms were previously rejected or not discussed. In response, Trump accused Zelensky of attempting to back out of the agreement, stating that renegotiating would lead to significant problems for Ukraine. Trump also reiterated his stance that Ukraine should abandon its aspirations to join NATO, stating that Zelensky "understands" NATO membership is not in Ukraine's future.
The new version of the minerals deal would require Ukraine to repay all US aid since the 2022 escalation of the conflict with Russia, with a 4% annual interest rate on the total before any profits from joint extraction are accessible. The US has provided over $123 billion in military and financial assistance to Ukraine since 2022, although Trump claims the actual cost has exceeded $300 billion.
Trump has long demanded that Ukraine repay the hundreds of billions of dollars in US aid through its mineral wealth, particularly rare-earth elements. A previous deal was set to be signed in early March but was withdrawn after Zelensky’s outburst. Following a temporary freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing, Zelensky signaled readiness to negotiate, though he still denies that Ukraine owes anything to the US.
Zelensky confirmed receiving a new draft of the minerals deal, but indicated that many terms were previously rejected or not discussed. In response, Trump accused Zelensky of attempting to back out of the agreement, stating that renegotiating would lead to significant problems for Ukraine. Trump also reiterated his stance that Ukraine should abandon its aspirations to join NATO, stating that Zelensky "understands" NATO membership is not in Ukraine's future.
The new version of the minerals deal would require Ukraine to repay all US aid since the 2022 escalation of the conflict with Russia, with a 4% annual interest rate on the total before any profits from joint extraction are accessible. The US has provided over $123 billion in military and financial assistance to Ukraine since 2022, although Trump claims the actual cost has exceeded $300 billion.
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